Where is the seminary located?

For the Spring 2026 semester, evening classes will be held at the Islamic Center of Long Island (ICLI) in Westbury, and Sunday morning classes will be held at Adelphi University. We partner with local masājid and learning spaces to keep tuition costs affordable.

Who can enroll?

Anyone aged 17 and above who can attend in-person.

Are classes in person or online?

Dirayah focuses on in-person learning. This allows for ṣuḥbah, mentorship, and the kind of direct engagement with instructors that cannot be replicated online.

Is prior Islamic education required?

Prior knowledge is not required. All Spring 2026 offerings are designed as strong entry points for both reverts and new students. Our 100-level courses have no prerequisites.

Can you become an ʿĀlim through this program?

Yes. Our graduate and post-graduate tracks are designed to lead to ʿĀlim-level qualifications.

Is Dirayah accredited by an accrediting body?

In the Islamic sciences there has never been a central accrediting body that is universally recognized. Traditionally, scholarship is transmitted through ijāzah, which is a formal authorization granted by a qualified teacher to a student, forming an unbroken chain back to the Prophet ﷺ. All Dirayah instructors hold the appropriate qualifications and ijāzāt in the subjects they teach. Students who successfully complete their coursework and meet academic standards will, in shāʾ Allāh, be eligible for the same.

We plan to pursue formal accreditation for our history and humanities track in the future, in shāʾ Allāh.

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes. For more information Click Here

What is the difference between part-time and full-time study?

Dirayah currently offers part-time study, with classes held on evenings and weekends. This Part-Time Seminary is a flexible, go-at-your-own-pace program in which students may enroll in as few or as many courses as they wish each semester. A full-time seminary is planned for the future, in shāʾ Allāh.

What is the expected weekly time commitment per course?

Each credit represents one hour of in-class instruction per week. Students should plan for an additional one to two hours per credit for reading, review, and assignments outside of class. Refer to each course’s credit value to estimate the total weekly time commitment.

How many courses can I take per semester?

There is no set limit on the number of courses one may take in the part-time program. Students may enroll in as many courses as their schedule and capacity allow.

How long does it take to complete each level of the program?

The length of time varies based on how many courses a student takes each semester. Because the program is self-paced, each student’s path will be different. Some may move through the curriculum quickly by taking multiple classes at once, while others may choose a lighter course load. Dirayah is designed to support both approaches, recognizing that learning is a lifelong pursuit.

Are classes mixed-gender or separated?

Some classes are co-ed, with appropriate separation between men and women in the classroom, while others are offered as single-gender courses. Please refer to each course description for details.

Can women pursue the full ʿĀlim track?

Yes. We encourage women to pursue scholarship in a way that fits their circumstances, schedule, and responsibilities. The community is in need of more women scholars, and this program is structured to support that path.

Can I audit / observe a class before committing?

Yes. The first 3 weeks of each semester are open for auditing, subject to capacity. For more information, select a course you are interested in on the Courses & Enrollment page, and click “Register to Observe”

Is this program suitable for converts?

Yes. Our 100-level courses are designed as strong entry points into the Islamic sciences and are well suited for converts seeking to build a solid and structured foundation.

How are students assessed?

Each course defines its own assessment criteria, which are listed in the course description. In general, evaluation may include a combination of exams, written assignments, attendance, and class participation.

What happens if I fail or withdraw from a class?

A failing grade or a withdrawal will be recorded on the student’s transcript for that course. Students may retake courses in order to improve their academic record.

Are grades or transcripts issued?

Yes. Dirayah Seminary maintains a full learning management system, and each student has an official academic record. Transcripts are maintained across semesters and remain on file as students progress through the program.

What level of Arabic is required?

Any language prerequisites are listed in each course description. 100-level courses do not require prior knowledge of Arabic. However, as students advance into higher-level coursework, Arabic proficiency becomes essential.

What credential do I receive after completing a level?

Students who complete an academic level or accreditation track receive an official Dirayah Seminary certificate or diploma corresponding to that level of study.

What does an ijāzah from Dirayah represent?

Ijāzahs are issued directly by instructors to students who complete the appropriate coursework and demonstrate mastery of the material. An ijāzah signifies that a student has been authorized by their teacher to transmit or teach that subject, in accordance with the traditional scholarly method.

Can graduates teach after completing the program?

Every Muslim is encouraged to convey what they have learned, even if it is a single verse, as taught by the Prophet ﷺ. Dirayah’s certificates and degrees are designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and scholarly grounding needed to teach and lead at levels appropriate to their training. These credentials may also be used as evidence of qualification when applying for teaching, leadership, employment, or volunteer roles at other institutions.

Is academic advising available?

Yes. Dirayah’s directors are available to provide academic advising and guidance to students as they progress through the program.

Where exactly are classes held at ICLI and Adelphi?

Upon enrollment, students will receive detailed information before the first day of class specifying the exact building and room for each course.

Is parking available?

Yes. Free parking is available at both ICLI and Adelphi University for students attending classes.

Are there dress code expectations?

Students are expected to dress in accordance with Islamic guidelines while maintaining proper adab in the learning environment.

How can I volunteer to help?

Please contact us through our volunteer form: Click here

I am a local scholar in the Islamic sciences or the humanities. How can I inquire about teaching?

Please contact us through our instructor form:  Click here

I represent a masjid or community space. How can I host Dirayah classes?

Please contact us through our spaces form: Click here